Blowhole (anatomy)

In cetology, the study of whales and other cetaceans, a blowhole is the hole (or spiracle) at the top of the head through which the animal breathes air.

[1] The posterior placement of blowholes on cetacean heads is believed to minimize the energy used when breathing at the water's surface.

[7] Such carvings have also been found in South Korea (Bangudae Petroglyphs), British Columbia, and possibly New Zealand (Weka Pass shelter).

[8] Whale spout features in Australian myths of creation[9] and in European descriptions of monsters, such as the Procopius' Porphyrios and the Spouter in Olaus Magnus’ Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus.

[10] A spouting whale is a major attraction in the Japanese Nagasaki Kunchi festival, which has been taking place since the early 17th century.